Adverse events associated with the use of the peripheral venous catheter: a prospective study

INTRODUCTION. The peripheral venous catheter is an invasive device widely used to enable infusional therapy in the hospital environment. Thus, patients with infusion therapy are more exposed to factors that tri-gger the occurrence of adverse events. OBJECTIVE. To estimate the incidence of local adverse events and identify risk factors associated with peripheral venous catheter management. MATERIAL AND METHOD. Prospective longitudinal study performed in the surgical hospitalization unit of a university hospital in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was observed the use of 114 catheters inserted in 58 patients. The research was conducted between March 2019 and February 2020. The data analysis was performed by descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS. The incidence of adverse events was 61,4%. Phlebitis and obstruction were the most frequent, both with 26,3%. The risk factors that presented a significant association were infiltration with administration of cefazolin (41,7%, p-value=0,029) and phlebitis with the act of touching the puncture site after antisepsis (47,8%, p-value=0,009). CONCLUSION. The nursing professionals’ care practice in the management of peripheral venous catheter is associated with the occurrence of adverse events.